KKR Makes Strategic Investment to Accelerate Growth of MLS NEXT Pro

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Major League Soccer and KKR Establish Hometown Soccer Holdings to Drive New Market Opportunities and Community Engagement

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Major League Soccer (“MLS”) and KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced a strategic investment to accelerate the growth of MLS NEXT Pro. In connection, MLS and funds managed by KKR have formed Hometown Soccer Holdings (“HSH”), a new platform created to support the evolution of MLS NEXT Pro.

The partnership will serve as MLS NEXT Pro’s commercial engine, supporting stadium development in new communities, creating new club brands for MLS-affiliated teams, and enhancing the fan experience through high-energy matchday environments at fan-friendly venues with distinct local identities. The investment will support the growth of the sport and the reach of MLS NEXT Pro.

“Having KKR as a strategic partner is a significant step forward for MLS NEXT Pro and will strengthen player development across the U.S. and Canada,” said Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber. “This investment will help build and grow MLS NEXT Pro and reflects our ambition to expand into new markets, develop soccer-specific infrastructure, elevate the matchday experience, and deepen connections between our clubs and their communities.”

HSH will be led by seasoned executives Tom Glick, Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Klein, President. Glick's industry experience includes serving as Chief Commercial and Operating Officer of Manchester City FC and President of New York City FC, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, including Charlotte FC, and Chelsea FC. Klein played 13 seasons in MLS, served as President of the LA Galaxy for 12 years, and co-chairs the LA Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Since its inaugural season in 2022, MLS NEXT Pro has quickly become a critical part of the MLS ecosystem and the United States soccer pyramid, providing a pathway for emerging players and coaches while expanding access to professional soccer across the U.S. and Canada. To date, 255 players who have competed in MLS NEXT Pro have gone on to sign first team contracts in MLS. MLS NEXT Pro currently consists of 30 clubs: 27 MLS affiliates and three independent teams, with four additional independent teams beginning play in 2027.

“This is a special year for our sport with the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place in North America, and this strategic partnership with KKR and HSH will help support our short- and long-term growth objectives both on and off the field,” said Ali Curtis, President, MLS NEXT Pro and EVP of MLS Sporting Development. “This investment will contribute to our league’s broader trajectory; it strengthens our ability to provide more opportunities for players, expand into new markets, and to continue building a competitive professional environment that prepares the next generation of talent for success in MLS and beyond.”

“MLS NEXT Pro plays an important role in player development, and we see a meaningful opportunity to build on that foundation by helping clubs expand into new communities and supporting a more modern, scalable operating model,” said Ted Oberwager, a Partner who leads the gaming, entertainment, media and sports verticals within KKR’s Americas Private Equity business. “We believe that combining centralized technology infrastructure, strong local execution, and disciplined investment can help clubs strengthen fan connections, build long-term value, and create future-forward sports and entertainment experiences.”

KKR has built an extensive track record in sports, with nearly $9 billion committed to the sector since 2010. Investments span the full ecosystem, from expanding access to high school sports to backing professional leagues, digital gaming, sports media, merchandising, fan engagement platforms, recreational clubs, and real estate. These investments reflect conviction in sports as a durable and growing global business. KKR is making its investment through its Ascendant Fund as part of KKR's Americas Private Equity platform.

In partnership with MLS NEXT Pro leadership, as well as municipalities, civic leaders, and community stakeholders, HSH will pursue the development of new soccer stadiums designed to deliver best-in-class fan experiences and serve as long-term anchors for professional soccer in their communities.

“Our platform is about expanding access to the game and investing in the communities that support it,” said Glick. “We believe every city deserves a professional club it can call its own, one that inspires local pride and contributes meaningful economic impact. We welcome the opportunity to work with local leaders to develop clubs and venues that reflect the character of their markets and bring professional soccer closer to more fans across the country.”

Additional announcements are expected from the partnership in the coming months.

Andalusian Sports Advisors served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to KKR and HSH. Moelis & Co. LLC served as financial advisor and Proskauer Rose LLP served as legal advisor to MLS.

About MLS NEXT Pro
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and access, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro celebrates its fifth season in 2026 with 30 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and three independent, Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC and Connecticut United FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Forest City Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, AC Grand Rapids, and The Island FC. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com

About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer – celebrating its 31st season in 2026 – features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. All MLS and Leagues Cup matches can be watched on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com, and features the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.

About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About Hometown Soccer Holdings
Hometown Soccer Holdings is a partnership between KKR and Major League Soccer formed to centralize and scale the commercial operations of MLS NEXT Pro. HSH works with MLS, affiliated clubs, and local partners to launch clubs in targeted markets, pursue purpose-built stadium development, and strengthen the league’s capabilities across sponsorship, ticketing, live events, and fan engagement. HSH is led by veteran sports executives Tom Glick and Chris Klein, whose careers span leadership roles at Manchester City FC, the LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer, and beyond. For more information, visit www.hometownsoccer.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429382066/en/

Media Contacts

Sal Petruzzi – MLS
salvatore.petruzzi@mlssoccer.com

Sarah Jamieson - MLS NEXT Pro
sarah.jamieson@mlsnextpro.com

Brooke Rustad - KKR
media@kkr.com

Brendan Hannan - Hometown Soccer Holdings
Brendan.Hannan@skylark.llc

Source: KKR